In an unexpected turn of events on The View, co-host Sunny Hostin left audiences and her fellow panelists stunned when she openly referred to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a “bastard” during a heated discussion. The moment sent shockwaves through the studio, leading to an immediate response from co-host Joy Behar, who quickly issued an apology. However, what truly caught everyone off guard was Musk’s reaction, which left the entire studio in complete silence.

The Heated Exchange That Led to the Outburst
During a segment discussing Musk’s influence on social media and free speech, The View hosts engaged in a passionate debate over his recent decisions regarding content moderation on X (formerly Twitter). Hostin, known for her outspoken views, expressed frustration over what she described as Musk’s “reckless” approach to handling misinformation and controversial figures on the platform.
The conversation escalated quickly when co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin attempted to defend Musk’s vision for free speech, arguing that his policies, while controversial, were rooted in the idea of minimizing censorship. Hostin, visibly agitated, fired back, saying, “Oh, please! Elon Musk is nothing but a bastard who thinks he can control the narrative however he pleases.”
The remark drew an immediate gasp from the audience, with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines appearing visibly uncomfortable. Joy Behar, seemingly recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately attempted to defuse the tension by issuing an apology on behalf of the show.
Elon Musk’s Reaction – A Moment of Silence Before the Storm?
The most shocking moment of the segment, however, came when Musk himself, who was reportedly watching the show live, took to X to respond. In a tweet that appeared just minutes after the incident, Musk posted:
“Did Sunny Hostin just call me a ‘bastard’ on national television? How charming. I wonder what her bosses think of this professionalism.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of retweets and comments within minutes. Many users pointed out the irony of Hostin criticizing Musk while engaging in what some perceived as an unprofessional outburst herself. Others, however, rallied behind Hostin, agreeing with her sentiment and applauding her for speaking her mind.
Backlash and Damage Control – ABC’s Response
As the controversy gained traction online, sources close to ABC revealed that network executives were internally discussing the incident and whether any action should be taken against Hostin. Some insiders suggested that a formal apology or clarification might be issued to avoid escalating tensions further.
Meanwhile, supporters of Musk wasted no time in calling for consequences, with several high-profile commentators on X demanding accountability from ABC. Prominent conservative voices criticized the double standards in media, questioning whether similar remarks would be tolerated if directed at figures on the political left.
Social Media Erupts – Divided Opinions
In an unexpected turn of events on The View, co-host Sunny Hostin left audiences and her fellow panelists stunned when she openly referred to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a “bastard” during a heated discussion. The moment sent shockwaves through the studio, leading to an immediate response from co-host Joy Behar, who quickly issued an apology. However, what truly caught everyone off guard was Musk’s reaction, which left the entire studio in complete silence.
The Heated Exchange That Led to the Outburst
During a segment discussing Musk’s influence on social media and free speech, The View hosts engaged in a passionate debate over his recent decisions regarding content moderation on X (formerly Twitter). Hostin, known for her outspoken views, expressed frustration over what she described as Musk’s “reckless” approach to handling misinformation and controversial figures on the platform.
The conversation escalated quickly when co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin attempted to defend Musk’s vision for free speech, arguing that his policies, while controversial, were rooted in the idea of minimizing censorship. Hostin, visibly agitated, fired back, saying, “Oh, please! Elon Musk is nothing but a bastard who thinks he can control the narrative however he pleases.”
The remark drew an immediate gasp from the audience, with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines appearing visibly uncomfortable. Joy Behar, seemingly recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately attempted to defuse the tension by issuing an apology on behalf of the show.
Elon Musk’s Reaction – A Moment of Silence Before the Storm?
The most shocking moment of the segment, however, came when Musk himself, who was reportedly watching the show live, took to X to respond. In a tweet that appeared just minutes after the incident, Musk posted:
“Did Sunny Hostin just call me a ‘bastard’ on national television? How charming. I wonder what her bosses think of this professionalism.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of retweets and comments within minutes. Many users pointed out the irony of Hostin criticizing Musk while engaging in what some perceived as an unprofessional outburst herself. Others, however, rallied behind Hostin, agreeing with her sentiment and applauding her for speaking her mind.
Backlash and Damage Control – ABC’s Response
As the controversy gained traction online, sources close to ABC revealed that network executives were internally discussing the incident and whether any action should be taken against Hostin. Some insiders suggested that a formal apology or clarification might be issued to avoid escalating tensions further.
Meanwhile, supporters of Musk wasted no time in calling for consequences, with several high-profile commentators on X demanding accountability from ABC. Prominent conservative voices criticized the double standards in media, questioning whether similar remarks would be tolerated if directed at figures on the political left.
Social Media Erupts – Divided Opinions